Press Releases

Press Releases

Sep172009

U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent (PA-15) has issued a call to end all public funding for the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), an organization that has engaged in illegal activity such as voter fraud and other questionable practices over the years. Most recently the organization was caught on video offering to help set up prostitution houses.

ACORN has received $53 million in federal funding since 1994 and likely more through federal block grants that states and cities disburse. Due to the organization’s mounting infractions, Congressman Dent cosponsored legislation to deny federal funding from ACORN; the language of that bill was incorporated into another piece of legislation that passed the House.

Congressman Dent also co-signed a letter to the President from Members of Congress asking for the disclosure and termination of all federal funding to ACORN, just as the Census Bureau has already cut off its association with ACORN. Last year, Congressman Dent signed letters to the U.S. Attorney and to the Pennsylvania Attorney General bringing attention to the numerous allegations that ACORN was involved in voter fraud in Pennsylvania.

“Over the years ACORN has proven itself to be a seething mass of criminality, fraud, and deceit,” Congressman Dent said. “They allegedly are a housing organization dedicated to helping the poor. Unfortunately, everything they touch seems to be corrupted. This has been going on for far too long. It’s time to shut them down.

“Perhaps what’s most egregious about ACORN is they conduct these illicit operations under the guise of helping disadvantaged people. There may be some well-intended, honest volunteers who are not involved in illegal activity at ACORN. I suggest they contribute their time to one of the many legitimate housing and anti-poverty organizations that provide help for vulnerable citizens without becoming embroiled in the fraud and corruption that has continually surrounded ACORN.”